Actuating mechanism for pressurized fluid dispenser

ABSTRACT

An actuating mechanism for pressurized fluid dispensers involves a cap having a pillar with a hinged body carrying a tubular element engageable with the dispenser spout. The mechanism includes a trigger secured to the body whereby the application of force to the trigger depresses the body with the consequent movement of the tubular element and spout. Changeable nozzles direct the spray to selected target areas, and a locking system prevents inadvertent spray emission.

United States Patent Inventor Ray C. Brooks 2505 Custer Court, Irving,Tex. 75060 842,201

July 16, 1969 May 25, 1971 Appl. No. Filed I Patented ACTUATINGMECHANISM FOR PRESSURIZED FLUID DISPENSER 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl ZZZ/402.13 Int. Cl 865d 83/00 Field of Search ..222/402.l 1,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,138,331 6/1964 Kutik222/402.11X 3,189,232 6/1965 Joffe 222/402.15X

Primary Examiner-Stanley l-l. Tollberg Attorney-Robert G. McMorrowABSTRACT: An actuating mechanism for pressurized fluid dispensersinvolves a cap having a pillar with a hinged body carrying a tubularelement engageable with the dispenser spout. The mechanism includes atrigger secured to the body whereby the application of force to thetrigger depresses the body with the consequent movement of the tubularelement and spout. Changeable nozzles direct the spray to selectedtarget areas, and a locking system prevents inadvertent spray emission.

ACTUATING MECHANISM FOR PRESSURIZED FLUID DISPENSER BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to actuatingmeans for pressurized containers particularly those of the aerosolvariety.

2. Statement of the Prior Art It has heretofore been proposed to providespray actuating and directing devices attachable to pressurized fluiddispensers, some such devices employing finger controlled levers fordepression of the valve means normally associated with such containers.Examples of the previously known devices are found in the following U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,393,346 to Stroop issued .Ian. 22, 1946; 2,631,891 toKochner et al. issued Mar. 17, 1953; 2,635,921 to Deutsch issued Apr.21, 1953; 2,757,048 to Balmer issued July 31, 1956; 2,877,934 to Wallaceissued Mar. 17, 1959; 2,904,262 to Peeps issued Sept. 15, 1959;3,061,202 to Tyler issued Oct. 30, 1962; and 3,189,232 to Joffe issuedJune 15, 1965. I

The previously known devices, while adequate in some respects andcomprising substantial improvements over the use of aerosol containerswithout trigger attachments are nonetheless subject to adverse criticismin that they are expensive to'manufacture, given to inadvertentactuation, and not sufficiently positive in operation as to spraydirection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a detachablespray actuation mechanism for pressurized containers, notably that typeof container which is operated through the application of pressure to aprojecting valve in the form of a spout. The actuating mechanism isadaptable for releasable engagement with the container and the spout,and the actuating mechanism is operable in such manner as to effectivelyand positively aim the emitted spray for application to a selectedtarget area. This type of positive application is of particularimportance where the dispensed fluid is intended for treatment ofselected areas only, as in painting, lubricating, and the like. A basicobjective of this invention is therefore to provide an actuatingmechanism as aforesaid wherein the orientation of the spray nozzle withrespect to the trigger is such that maximum efficiency of aim isprovided.

This invention further provides means to prevent inadvertent dischargeof the fluid from the container. This not only serves as an effectivesafety lock to prevent accidental discharge, but permits shipment ofcontainers with the actuator in place thereon. The locking means is ofnoncomplex construction and operation, and adds little to the cost ofmanufacture of the apparatus.

A further objective of the invention resides in the provision ofchangeable nozzle means for the actuator. In first forms of the nozzle,the changeable inserts are variable in installation to provide variantspray patterns. In a further modification, an extended nozzle projectsoutwardly of the trigger area, thus to prevent contact of the spray withthe operators finger.

Other and further objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of thefollowing specification when read in conjunction with the annexeddrawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view showing anactuating mechanism constructed and assembled in accordance with theteachings of this invention in place on a pressurized fluid dispenser;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, medial cross section taken on the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the lockingsystem hereof in open and locked positions in full and phantom lines,respectively, and showing the details of the dispensing spout means ofthe container;

FIG. 3 is a detail sectional view showing the modification of the nozzleto include a second type of changeable nozzle; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view ol'a further modification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing inmore detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pressurized fluidcontainer of conventional design and construction is therein indicatedby a reference numeral 10. The container 10 comprises a can 12 having atop wall 14 with an annular rim l6 surrounding a valve assembly 18 witha projecting hollow spout 20. The operation of this type of container iswell known, and it is necessary to this characterization of the presentinvention to state only that, upon the application of pressure to thespout 18, the valve is opened, causing the continuous emission of fluidthrough the spout so long as the pressure is contained and the supplythereof unexhausted. In some instances, lateral spray emission isachieved in these containers through the employment of a removablebutton. Such buttons are discarded when the present invention is to beused.

The present invention is identified generally in the drawing byreference numeral 22 and includes a cap portion 24 with a sidewall 26and a top wall 28. The actuating mechanism 22 is formed of plastic orthe like throughout, and preferably is of substantially integralconstruction. The sidewall 26 has an inward flange 30 at its lowerextremity, and the flange 30 is adapted for snap fitting about the canrim 16 whereby the cap is releasably engaged with the can. The top wall28 has a central opening 32 therein through which the spout 20 extends.

Located adjacent a peripheral edge of the cap 24 is a pillar 34comprising aback member 36 and rigidifying sides 38, 40. The back memberhas a top edge 42 functioning as described below.

Secured to the pillar and preferably integral therewith is a main bodyportion 44 comprising a top panel 46 with a forward end section 48 and arear end section 50. The end section 50 terminates at an edge 52forming, with the edge 42, a hinge between the pillar and the main bodyportion. The main body portion forward end has a nozzle section 54thereon, described in more detail below. Depending from the panel 46adjacent the nozzle section is a tubular member 56 having a compoundopening therein. The opening is composed of an enlarged entry section 58which admits the spout 20 and frictionally engages the same, and arestricted fluid passage 60 separated from the entry section at ashoulder 62 against which the distal end of the spout seats. The nozzlesection 54 and the member 56 have a lateral bore 64 therein whichintereepts the fluid passage 60 to dispense a spray therefrom.

Trigger means 66 hereof comprises a handle 68 with a ledge 70 connectingit to the main body portion at the forward section of the nozzle, thehandle depending below the path of spray emission. Rigidifying sidepanels 72 and 74 may extend the full length of the trigger and the bodyportion on either side of the tubular member. It will be observed thatthe trigger is thus disposed in a diametrically opposite position fromthe pillar, thereby providing a longitudinal, accurate aiming System forthe spray.

in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. I and 2, the nozzlesection has an internally threaded opening 76 which extends about acentral block member 78, tee base of which is aligned with lateral bore64. A detachable nozzle 80, having a mouth 82 and rim 84 is threadedlyreceived therein, and, by inward and outward adjustment of the nozzlethrough the thread means, the spray characteristics may be altered froma fine mist to a straight linear jet. Thus, the actuator provides ameans for variance in the type of spray emitted which enhances theutility of the container beyond its normal capabilities.

As shown in the drawings, an elongated, flexible post 86 is integrallyjoined to the top wall 28 of the cap 24. The post is enlarged at itsbase 88 and is gradually reduced in diameter from the base to the top 90thereof. An elongated slot 92 is provided in the top panel 46 of themain body portion 44, and the post extends through said slot. The slothas an enlarged forward portion 94 and a smaller rear portion 96, withrestricting ears 98 therebetween. The post 86 projects through the slot92, occupying either the forward portion or rear portion thereof at theoption of the user. The post and the slot comprise locking means forthedevice.

In FIG. 3, a substantially similar arrangement is shown. Here, however,the nozzle 80a is frictionally engaged in an opening 76a. Again, inwardand outward movement of the nozzle has a changeable effect on the spraycharacteristics.

FIG. 4 discloses the invention modified to include an elongated adapter100 fixed on the nozzle section, and having a tubular nose section 102which projects forwardly of the trigger. In this form of the invention,the fluid from the container is emitted forwardly of the hand of theoperator, thereby barring any possibility of fluid contact, andmoreover, the spray area may be more finely localized.

The operation of the invention is believed to be clear from theforegoing description of its structure. The hinge section, and theflexibility of the elements of construction permit ready application ofthe attachment to a container 12 by snap fitting of the cap portion 24over the rim 16 thereof, and by engagement of the tubular element 56with the container spout 20. Thereafter, application of force, as byplacing a finger of the users hand on the handle 68 causes the valve 20to be depressed and fluid to be emitted through the passage 60 into thelateral passage 64 and thence outwardly through the spray mouth 82. Thedepression of the body portion to actuate the spout 20 can occur onlywhen the post 86 occupies the forward portion 94 of the slot 90. Whenthe post is flexed rearwardly into the slot rear portion 96, the bodyportion is withheld from effective operating engagement with the spout.

- lclaim:

1. A trigger assembly for use with a pressurized container of the typeincluding a projecting dispensing spout actuated to emit fluid dischargetherethrough upon depression, the trigger assembly comprising: I

a cap portion engageable with the container, with the container spoutextending through the cap portion;

a pillar on the cap portion;

a main body portion hingedly connected to tee cap portion;

a tubular member depending from the main body portion,

including an open entry section engageably with the spout and having arestricted fluid passage into which the fluid discharge is emitted;

a trigger secured to the main body portion and extending forwardlythereof; and

a nozzle section on the forward end of the main body portion, having alateral fluid passage through which the restricted fluid passage of thetubular member extends, and through which the emitted fluid is directedupon the application of inward force to the trigger.

2. A trigger as defined in'claim l, and locking meansto retain thetubular member in a position whereat it is withheld from operatingcontact with the spout.

3. The invention of claim 2, wherein the locking means comprises anupstanding post on the cap and a dual position slot in the main bodyportion, the post being engageable in the slot in operative andnonoperating positions.

4. The combination, with a pressurized container having an upwardlyprojecting dispensing spout actuated to emit fluid dischargetherethrough upon depression, the container having a rim about thespout, of a trigger assembly comprising:

a cap portion having a sidewall and a top wall, the sidewall beingengageable with the rim, and the top wall having an opening therethroughthrough which the spout extends;

an upstanding pillar extending from the cap portion, includ ing a backmember with an upper edge portion;

a trigger and spout assembly including an elongated main body portionhaving a forward end section and a rear end section, the rear endsection being hingedly connected to the upper edge portion of the backmember of the pillar;

a tubular member depending from the main body portion intermediate itsends and having an enlarged entry section engageable with the spout, anda restricted fluid passage section;

a nozzle section on the forward end section of the main body portion;

a trigger projecting forwardly of the main body portion, in-

cluding an elongated grip portion; and

the nozzle section being integral with the tubular member and having alateral passage therein which intersects the restricted fluid passagesection thereof.

5. The invention of claim 4, and:

an elongated, flexible post projecting upwardly from the top wall of thecap portion;

the main body portion having elongated slot formed therein, the slothaving enlarged forward portion adjacent the spout and a rear portion ofreduced size adjacent the pillar, the post extending through said slot;and

the main body portion being actuatable to depress the spout with thepost in the forward portion, and being locked with the post engaged inthe rear portion.

6. The invention of claim 4, wherein the nozzle block has an openingabout said lateral passage; and a changeable flow nozzle engaged in saidopening.

7. The invention of claim 4, wherein the nozzle section has an openingabout said lateral passage and an elongated nozzle engaged in saidopening and extending outwardly of the trigger.

1. A trigger assembly for use with a pressurized container of the typeincluding a projecting dispensing spout actuated to emit fluid dischargetherethrough upon depression, the trigger assembly comprising: a capportion engageable with the container, with the container spoutextending through the cap portion; a pillar on the cap portion; a mainbody portion hingedly connected to tee cap portion; a tubular memberdepending from the main body portion, including an open entry sectionengageably with the spout and having a restricted fluid passage intowhich the fluid discharge is emitted; a trigger secured to the main bodyportion and extending forwardly thereof; and a nozzle section on theforward end of the main body portion, having a lateral fluid passagethrough which the restricted fluid passage of the tubular memberextends, and through which the emitted fluid is directed upon theapplication of inward force to the trigger.
 2. A trigger as defined inclaim 1, and locking means to retain the tubular member in a positionwhereat it is withheld from operating contact with thE spout.
 3. Theinvention of claim 2, wherein the locking means comprises an upstandingpost on the cap and a dual position slot in the main body portion, thepost being engageable in the slot in operative and nonoperatingpositions.
 4. The combination, with a pressurized container having anupwardly projecting dispensing spout actuated to emit fluid dischargetherethrough upon depression, the container having a rim about thespout, of a trigger assembly comprising: a cap portion having a sidewalland a top wall, the sidewall being engageable with the rim, and the topwall having an opening therethrough through which the spout extends; anupstanding pillar extending from the cap portion, including a backmember with an upper edge portion; a trigger and spout assemblyincluding an elongated main body portion having a forward end sectionand a rear end section, the rear end section being hingedly connected tothe upper edge portion of the back member of the pillar; a tubularmember depending from the main body portion intermediate its ends andhaving an enlarged entry section engageable with the spout, and arestricted fluid passage section; a nozzle section on the forward endsection of the main body portion; a trigger projecting forwardly of themain body portion, including an elongated grip portion; and the nozzlesection being integral with the tubular member and having a lateralpassage therein which intersects the restricted fluid passage sectionthereof.
 5. The invention of claim 4, and: an elongated, flexible postprojecting upwardly from the top wall of the cap portion; the main bodyportion having elongated slot formed therein, the slot having enlargedforward portion adjacent the spout and a rear portion of reduced sizeadjacent the pillar, the post extending through said slot; and the mainbody portion being actuatable to depress the spout with the post in theforward portion, and being locked with the post engaged in the rearportion.
 6. The invention of claim 4, wherein the nozzle block has anopening about said lateral passage; and a changeable flow nozzle engagedin said opening.
 7. The invention of claim 4, wherein the nozzle sectionhas an opening about said lateral passage and an elongated nozzleengaged in said opening and extending outwardly of the trigger.